Ko Taranaki tōku maunga
Ko Waiokura me Waitohi ōku awa
Ko Aotea me Tokumaru ōku waka
Ko Waiokura me Waikawa ōku marae
Ko Te Atiawa me Ngati Ruanui me Ngaruahine ōku iwi
Ko Ngati Te Whiti me Ngati Tu ōku hapū Ko
Helen McConnell tōku ingoa.

Background

Helen McConnell was born in Wellington and completed her schooling at St Mary’s College in Thorndon. She is currently pursuing her EdD (Doctorate in Education) through Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, with her research focusing on early learning distance education in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Education

Helen holds a Master in Education from Victoria University of Wellington, a BA in Education from Victoria University of Wellington, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Early Childhood from Wellington College of Education. Additionally, she has completed the Poupou Huia Te Reo - Certificate of Te Reo Māori Level 2 through Te Wānanga o Raukawa.

Guiding Tamariki

Helen is excited about guiding tamariki to become independent and confident decision makers and fostering their curiosity, both in the Preschool and wider Marsden environments. She is also keen to use digital technology in a way “that will make children think critically, problem solve, collaborate and communicate”, she says.

Helen recognises the strengths in each child and ensures they feel settled and have a sense of belonging, both in the physical Preschool Environment and with their Preschool whānau.  “It’s very special when the children recognise emotions in each other and respond in positive ways accordingly”

Ahakoa he iti pounamu - Although it is small it is precious.